First Aid

Chickenpox

What are the signs and symptoms?

The most noticeable sign of chickenpox is an itchy rash that turns into small, fluid-filled blisters. This rash often starts on the scalp and face before spreading to the trunk and limbs. It can be preceded by a few days of fever, general discomfort (malaise) and loss of appetite. The rash develops over about five to seven days, progressing from flat spots (macules) to raised bumps (papules), then to itchy blisters (vesicles) and finally to scabs. Unvaccinated individuals typically develop around 300 lesions. These blisters eventually dry out, and crusts form and then disappear over one to two weeks. The time from exposure to the virus to the appearance of the rash (the incubation period) is usually 14–16 days, with a range of 10–21 days. The virus is contagious one to two days before the rash appears and until all the lesions are crusted over

Taken from the World Health Organisation page

Wendy Sherwood

First Aid Officer